Grey Towers to Host Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Grey Towers Heritage Association invites the public to attend an afternoon of “innocent merriment” at a performance of Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera selections at Grey Towers in Milford, PA on May 17 at 3 p.m. Librettist W.S. Gilbert and composer Arthur Sullivan were a renowned Victorian-era theatrical partnership. They are best known for their comic operas, which are considered to be some of the finest examples of British musical theatre. Their profound influence on the development of modern American musical theatre is undeniable. Theatre scholar and critic John Bush Jones cited Gilbert and Sullivan as “the primary progenitors of the twentieth century American musical”. Their works often satirized Victorian society with elements of fantasy and absurdity. Though written 150 years ago, their amusing social commentaries continue to be resonant today. Gilbert and Sullivan’s most famous works include The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, and H.M.S. Pinafore. This will be the first time The Sylvania Gilbert and Sullivan Society will be performing at Grey Towers. The performance will consist of a montage of songs presented by members of The Sylvania Gilbert and Sullivan Society, whose purpose is to bring the love and magic of opera, music, and theatre to the Delaware Valley area. “The Society’s goals are to produce the works of Gilbert and Sullivan for the community, to showcase local talent, to lift spirits, to educate, and to unify us through art,” states Emer Day, Grey Towers Heritage Association Board Member and Artistic Director of The Sylvania Gilbert and Sullivan Society. “As we continue to expand our events and programs for local residents and tourists, we invite the public to walk the lush grounds of the historic Pinchot mansion and enjoy a fun afternoon of comical opera,” states Will Voelkel, GTHA Board Member. The event takes place at the Pool Pavilion at Grey Towers, rain or shine. Tickets are available at www.greytowers.org/events and offer student, member and non-member pricing. The performance is recommended for those age 8 and above, and light refreshments will be served.
Grey Towers Presents “At Home with the Pinchots” What was life really like for the Pinchot family members who resided at Grey Towers mansion in Milford, PA in the late 19th and early 20th century? Be privy to all the details and among the first to receive an exclusive “calling card” to visit with them in their home on Saturday, May 10th between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Grey Towers Heritage Association cordially invites the public to a private tour of all three floors of the Pinchot mansion, nestled on 102 acres with magnificent gardens, where you will be hosted by actors who portray the famous persons who lived there. James and Mary, the patriarch and matriarch of this Gilded Age family, will greet you in the Great Hall. After highlighting their family’s history and rise to prominence in the New York City social scene, enjoy their memories of summering at Grey Towers. Gifford, their son and the first chief of the USDA Forest Service, will show you around his library, explain why he became such a force for conservation and tell you of his accomplishments and challenges as a two-term Governor of Pennsylvania. Moving on, you will be received by Cornelia, his wife, who was a preeminent advocate for women’s rights, social justice and cultural change in the early 20th century. Upstairs, there is a presidential guest waiting: Theodore Roosevelt, longtime friend and collaborator with Gifford, will tell the story behind the story. And finally, meet Mary McCadden, the nanny who saw it all! Refreshments will be served at this fascinating, not-to-be-missed event. Entrance to this event begins every twenty minutes, and tickets are available at www.greytowers.org/events.
Grey Towers Extends Visitor Service Season This year, the Grey Towers National Historic Site will be extending our tour season by offering tours starting in mid-November through December 2024. Our tour season usually includes a limited two-week holiday tour season, however due popular demand our amazing staff and volunteers will offer an extended holiday season. Guided holiday tours will begin for the winter season November 18,2024 through December 30, 2024. Tours will be held at 11:00am and 1:00pm daily. November 18 – 26, 2024 November 30 – December 5, 02024 December 9 – 23, 2024 December 27 – 30, 2024 Please note that visitor films will run from 10:30am to 3:00pm on these days in the Baitbox and vehicle gates will close at 4:30pm during weekdays and at 3:30pm on the weekends. Our water features will be winterized; however, staff will continue to interpret these areas weather permitting. Grey Towers NHS will not offer tours or facilities on holidays, but the site will remain open to pedestrian foot traffic from sunup to sundown. For additional information and weather closures please visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/greytowers or our Facebook at www.facebook.com/GreyTowersNHS.
